Rescue Theon!
Assault on the Dreadfort?
Kings Landing
The city is in a panic as cries of King Joffrey's death, echo through the streets. Several robed men run through the crowd with the City Guard following closely behind. One of the Sparrows, turns and throws his weapon at one of the guards. The guard ducks before plunging his sword into the Sparrow's gut. The other Sparrows run for it, before several citizens block their way.
"Murders!" Shouts the crowd as the Sparrows are swarmed from every angle. The High Sparrow wiggles out of the crowd and makes for the sewers. As he enters the sewers he hears the yells and screams of the remaining Sparrows.
"R-Run for it!" Shouts a Sparrow before an arrow goes into his back. The City Guard and the Lannister soldiers are hunting down the traitors. The High Sparrow his pulled into a dark corner where several Sparrows lead him away.
"We have to leave the city." Says a Sparrow as soldiers walk through the sewers.
"We have done our duty, Prince Alyxander will never awaken from the poison." Says the High Sparrow as he moves through the sewers.
"And if he lives?" Asks a Sparrow making the High Sparrow pause and look to him.
"Then we're all dead." States the High Sparrow.
Red Keep
Oberyn pushes open a set of doors, while Dornish soldiers carry in Alyx. Behind the soldiers are the Sand Snakes, Ellaria, Arianne, Cersei, Jaime, Tyrion, and Lucian. Cersei rushes in with Kinvara standing quickly.
"Kinvara, save him!" Pleads Arianne as Kinvara gestures for the men to set Alyx down. Kinvara waves her hand across Alyx's body before turning and picking up several vials.
"What are those?!" Demands Cersei as she sits by Alyx. Kinvara opens the vials.
"We need to close his wounds." Says Kinvara as she pours one vial over his wound. Alyx shouts out and lashes out with a hand, which grips Oberyn who gags.
"Oh shit." Grits out Oberyn before he manages to get loose.
"Hold him down!" Orders Kinvara as the soldiers, Sand Snakes and Lucian hold down Alyx. Kinvara pours more over the wounds as Alyx shouts out.
"You're hurting him!" Cries Cersei as Tyrion holds her hand.
"Kinvara?" Asks Arianne in worry as she too does not like the sounds Alyx is making.
"I have to seal the wounds and draw out the poison," says Kinvara as she stops pouring and looks to the two, "both will be painful." Lucian looks on before his eyes focus on the shallow breaths of Alyx. His eyes seem to glow and a lion's growl echoes from within him.
"Should I call back the other Legions?" Asks Oberyn making Lucian look to him.
"Yes, I want the Sparrows dead!" Shouts Cersei.
"With respect," says Lucian from the back, making them all look to him, "Alyxander had them go north for a reason, and it would be stupid to have them come back."
"Lucian is right, it would hamper the Reclaiming of the North." Says Tyrion. Cersei looks between the two with tears in her eyes.
"I want them dead." Cries Cersei.
"I'll have my men search the city and kill them on sight." Says Oberyn. Kinvara stands and rubs her hand across Alyx's forehead.
"How is he?" Asks Arianne, noticing Kinvara has put away the vials.
"His wounds are closed," says Kinvara as she starts to disrobe, "now I need to draw out the poison." Her robes fall and she positions herself upon Alyx.
"What are you doing?" Demands Cersei with a growl.
"Saving the king." Replies Kinvara without looking at Cersei. Kinvara gently opens Alyx's mouth before opening hers. To everyone's astonishment, an ethereal smoke like, energy comes from Alyx's mouth and into Kinvara's. Kinvara lifts her head back and swallows the smoke. She then begins to fall, before Oberyn and the Sand Snakes catch her.
"Are you okay?" Asks Tyene. Kinvara looks up and shakes her head.
"I've taken out some of the poison but some is in his heart." Says Kinvara as Arianne looks down. She fell to her knees after hearing of the death of her sister and lover; Missandei.
"His heart was also damaged." Says Kinvara.
"Is there nothing more that can be done?" Asks Arianne with Lucian stepping forward.
"The first thing to do is to assure the people that we are still in control." Says Lucian as Cersei turns to him.
"The first thing to do is to save my son!" Screams Cersei.
"Your son is in no shape to lead and the kingdom needs a leader!" Shouts Lucian. Arianne narrows her eyes at Lucian.
"Since Tommen is not here we need someone capable." Says Lucian drawing Tyrion's attention.
"And who would that be?" Asks Tyrion with Jaime looking to Lucian.
"I have been groomed by Tywin and everyone else has their own duties." Says Lucian, making Cersei glare.
"I am the Queen and I will lead until my son wakes." Says Cersei.
"You are the Queen mother, you cannot lead." Says Lucian.
"So you want to lead then?" Asks Oberyn.
"As I said, I've been trained in politics by my father." Says Lucian as he looks amongst them.
"No." Says Arianne as she stands. Lucian looks to her with narrowed eyes.
"Forgive me but you have no say in the matter." States Lucian.
"That is where you are wrong," says Arianne as she grabs the hand of Alyx, "with Joffrey dead, my beloved is the King and that makes me the Queen." Lucian narrows his eyes at the girl.
"You've not been crowned so your rule will not be acknowledged." Says Cersei with narrowed eyes.
"If you present yourself as ruler, it will tell the people that Alyx is either dead or dying." Says Arianne while looking at Cersei.
"She's right, better to continue on as nothing has happened." Says Tyrion with Jaime nodding. Lucian looks between the group and growls.
"You are just a girl," says Lucian as he looks at Arianne who turns to him, "you know nothing of ruling."
"I know everything about ruling," says Arianne as her eyes seem to bore into Lucian, "I also know with the king bedridden… it is the perfect time for power hungry individuals to make their moves." Lucian widens his eyes before they narrow in rage.
"Carful girl, that sounds like an accusation." Growls Lucian. Arianne doesn't back down from the tall man and narrows her eyes.
"Enough!" Shouts Oberyn. The two relax and looks to the Red Viper.
"Arianne is Alyx's chosen bride and she has the love of the people." Says Oberyn getting a nod from Tyrion.
"With her in charge, the people will think that Alyx is fine and will continue on their daily routines." Says Tyrion. Cersei looks at Arianne and reluctantly agrees with her brother. While she may not like the girl, Alyx has chosen her. Lucian looks at all of them and gives in.
"Very well." States Lucian before he leaves the room.
Near Harrenhal
Rick Rykker stands with the other commanders as Tommen looks over a map. Rick has been given authority over the Royal Army. Sansa sits next Tommen and looks at the map.
"We should attack now, my prince." Says Karl Bar Emmon of the Second Legion. He has met up with the other commanders after his little run in with Ramsay. Tommen looks to the man and the other commanders and gulps, having no experience in such matters. Rick Rykker places a hand on his shoulder and smiles.
"We know that the Boltons and Freys can't man Harrenhal." States Charles Weagan of the Fourth Legion.
"We need a foothold in this war and Harrenhal is the best choice." Says Cato Buckwell getting nods from the others. Sansa looks at her husband and can tell he is nervous.
"P-Perhaps we should wait until the cover of night." Says Tommen, making the commanders turn to him. Tommen nearly shrinks back into his seat at having the attention of all the commanders but he feels a soft hand on his. Tommen looks to his left to see Sansa with a smile.
"I believe that would be a great time for an attack." Supports Daemon Sand with a smile. Even though Tommen is not very strong and politically smart, Alyx has taught him all about strategy.
"W-We can climb over the walls and using the Fifth Legion," says Tommen as he gestures to Daemon Sand, "open the gates and take Harrenhal with minimal casualties." The commanders look at the map and nod with respect at the strategy.
"A bold plan, young prince." Says Karl Bar Emmon. Tommen blushes a little before Karl smiles.
"I like it." States Karl.
"After taking Harrenhal we will need to call on the Northern lords, that haven't accepted the Boltons." Says Tommen as he looks to Sansa.
"I can message them to meet us at Harrenhal, though I'm not sure how many will come." Says Sansa as Dacey looks at the map. She eyes Bear Island while Arya sharpens her sword in the corner of the tent, while glaring at the commanders.
"I can send a message to Bear Island," says Dacey as the commanders look to her, "with me not there, the only one who is smart enough to rule would be my youngest sister Lyanna Mormont."
"F-First we have to take Harrenhal." Says Tommen as Dacey looks to him and sees him flinch.
"Of course, my love." Says Sansa with a smile. Tommen blushes and looks to Rick Rykker who nods his head with a smile.
"D-Dismissed." Says Tommen as the commanders' bow and exit. Tommen sighs in relief.
"Can I really do this?" Asks Tommen to himself.
"Alyxander believes you can." Assures Rick Rykker, making Tommen shake his head and nod.
"As do I." Assures Sansa with a smile. Dacey looks at Rick Rykker who turns to her and smiles goofily. Dacey feels a small smile form on her lips. Arya stands and looks at Sansa.
"I don't believe we should trust the men who were killing us several weeks ago." Says Arya as she glares at Rick.
"Arya!" Hisses Sansa as she stands and drags her out of the tent. Tommen seems to shake and look confused.
"D-Did I do something wrong?" Asks Tommen making Rick place a hand on his head. Dacey nearly giggles at how innocent the boy looks.
Outside the tent and going through the camp is Sansa with Arya trailing behind her. Sansa reaches her tent and rushes in with Arya before closing it. Sansa turns to her and hugs her fiercely. Arya widens her eyes in surprise before hugging Sansa.
"Arya please, we need them to reclaim our home." Says Sansa as she sits. Arya looks to her and sits next to her.
"They're the cause of us losing our home in the first place!" Arya nearly shouts.
"How can you just accept their help when they killed father?" Asks Arya before Sansa sighs.
"Joffrey killed our father, I heard the ladies and lords of court talking about how Alyx wanted our father to live." Says Sansa, making Arya widen her eyes.
"He wanted to avoid a war but Joffrey had other plans." Says Sansa.
"But regardless of what happened, we need to be careful." Says Sansa as she stands and looks out her tent to see the countless members of the Royal Army.
"If we harm Tommen… Alyx will come for us." Says Sansa, making Arya look to her with wide eyes.
"Do you love him?" Asks Arya with seriousness. Sansa remains quiet for a while before she turns.
"At first it was just convenient but as I got to know him… yes I love him." Says Sansa. Arya looks to her sister before sighing.
"Then I'll try not to… cause trouble." Smiles Arya.
Dreadfort
Several dozen small ships sail through the Weeping Water; a river that leads to the Dreadfort, under the cover of the setting sun. The largest ship has a whale and kraken painted on the sails. Taron looks out towards the Dreadfort and turns to Yara. Yara looks to her husband and nods.
"Are you ready?" Asks Taron as he grips his spear.
"Of course." Confirms Yara with a smile. Taron looks to the men behind him and smiles.
"Alright men, listen up!" Shouts Taron, drawing their attention.
"Tonight we attack the Dreadfort and give those slimy Boltons a taste of what is to come!" Yells Taron with his spear pointed in the sky.
"Yeah!" Shout the men and women in the force.
"You remember your part, right?" Asks Yara as she boards a small boat with a dozen Ironborn.
"Yeah, I draw their attention with our attack while you sneak in a free your brother." Confirms Taron with a smile. Yara smirks and prepares to moves.
"Yara," calls Taron, making Yara look back to him, "your brother… he might not be in his right mind."
"Theon is Ironborn, he's fine." Assures Yara.
"If he isn't… it might prove difficult to rescue someone who does not wish to be rescued." Says Taron with those brown eyes of his.
"What are you saying; I should leave him?" Growls Yara with an accusing stare. Taron shakes his head before smiling.
"Just saying you might need to use force to bring him along." States Taron with a smile. Yara smiles at the back of Taron as he sails forward. She thinks about the plan. Taron will lead an attack on the Dreadfort. With luck, the attack will draw the attention of all the Bolton soldiers. When the Boltons are focused on Taron and his forces, Yara will sneak in the castle to rescue Theon. She looks to the shore too see a catapult being pushed towards the Dreadfort.
"Our getaway." Thinks Yara with a smile. The sun begins to fully set as the light begins to die. Yara's boat begins to move.
With Taron's forces, they are making their way towards the Dreadfort. Taron can see the castle and prepares for battle. The castle is heavily fortified for a ground assault but thankfully Taron's ships have been designed to siege a castle. As the ships get within range, Taron looks to his men.
"Alright men, let's give them a wake up call." Says Taron as he sees several men arm two ballista. He sees two men light the ballista.
"Fire!" Commands Taron as the bolts loose from the machine. On the walls of the Dreadfort, a soldier sees the bolts coming before he is impaled and lands in the courtyard. The other bolt his the castle and rocks the inside, waking those within.
"Enemy attack!" Shout the soldiers, making Taron smile. The castle lights up as Ramsay rushes from his room with an axe and sword. The soldiers make way for him as he looks out to the river. He then looks to his men and looks dumbfounded.
"Well attack them!" Orders Ramsay as the soldiers release arrows. Taron looks up unfazed by the approaching volley.
"Shields up." Commands Taron as the men and women raise their shields. Two soldiers put their shields up in front of Taron.
"Well we got their attention." Says Taron with a nonchalant attitude.
"Get the ladders up." Commands Taron. The soldiers nod and load the ballista with hook like bolts. The bolts are then connected to several chains that will pull up the ladder. Ramsay squints his eyes from his post.
"What the hell are they doing?" Asks Ramsay before he widens his eyes.
"Get down!" Shouts Ramsay as he ducks. The man behind him is hit with the bolt like hook and yells as he flies back. The hook latches onto the castle walls. Three more bolt like hooks latch on before two wide ladders begin to pull up. On the ladders are soldiers of Taron who yell.
"Shit." Curses Ramsay as the ladders dock. As the ladders dock, Taron's men fly off the ladders and cut down the soldiers in their way. Ramsay sees a man running towards him with an axe and he parries before cutting his throat. One of Taron's men swings a large battle axe and slams it into the chest of two men before jumping off the wall and coming down on a Bolton in the court yard. Several men follow him and begin to swarm the gate.
"Don't let them open the gates!" Shouts Ramsay as Roose awakens and arrives. Roose parries a sword before gutting a man. The Boltons at the gate turn and release a volley of arrows that kill members of the Royal Army. The man with the battle axe tanks three arrows before cutting down three men and throwing his axe at a forth, killing him. The Royal Army pushes on towards the gates and kill the Boltons in their way.
"Who's attacking?" Demands Roose as he looks out to the river. He spots the Whale on the sails on growls.
"Taron Thurgau!" Shouts Roose as Taron smirks. The gates begin to open, drawing Ramsay's attention. However Roose looks at the battle and narrows his eyes. The Royal Army is not advancing, in fact they are staying just within range of battle.
"What are you up to, boy?" Thinks Roose with narrowed eyes.
"Send our forces forward, break their lines!" Commands Roose. Roose then looks to Ramsay who looks to him.
"Search the castle." Commands Roose.
"You're so predictable, old man." Thinks Taron. The soldiers clash against each other as Taron smirks.
"Your turn, my little Kraken." Thinks Taron.
Away from the battle and on the river, is Yara and her small force. She hears the sounds of fighting and smiles before looking to her men. She gives them a nod and the row forward. As they close in on the castle, Yara hears the intense fighting. She turns her head and spots a safe area to land the boat.
"There, that should be a way in." Says Yara as the boat heads to the location. Yara holds two throwing axes as she gets off the boat. The men follow her as the fighting reaches their ears. As the walk, they come across a door that Yara kicks open. Two men look back before Yara slams her axes in their heads.
"Let's move." Commands Yara as she pulls her axes out of the dead men's head. The group travels through the castle before turning a corner to see several Bolton soldiers. Yara throws one of her axes, which buries itself in the chest of one man. The other Ironborn swarm the outnumbered Boltons.
"Get them!" Shouts another group of Boltons that come around the corner. Yara intercepts them and hacks away with her axe before sliding and grabbing her other axe. She parries a sword before slamming her other axe into the man's gut and using the axe in her left hand to trip him.
"Bitch!" Shouts a Bolton as he swings three times with his sword. Yara blocks the strikes skillfully before getting close and kicking him in the balls. The man's knees buckle as Yara moves to his right and beheads him. She looks back to see three of her men dead while the others nod to her. She sees one man still alive and stomps her foot down on his chest before leaning down and pressing her axe to his throat.
"Theon Greyjoy?" Demands Yara as the man pales and sweats.
"I-I don't know." Whimpers the man before Yara slams the back of his head on the floor.
"I'm here for Theon Greyjoy and you're going to take me to him!" Growls Yara.
"Where is he bastard!?" Growls an Ironborn as the castle shakes.
"He has to be in the dungeons." Says another Ironborn.
"N-No he's not in the dungeons." Says the captive man. The man leads them to the kennels where Yara looks around.
"Last cage on the right." Cries the man as Yara looks to him.
"Thank you." Says Yara before slicing his throat with her axe. Yara looks around as the bell tower rings.
"We don't have much time." Says Yara as she searches the cages. She then spots Theon who scampers away from the entrance of the cage.
"Theon." Calls Yara soothingly. She approaches and leans down.
"Theon, we're going home." Says Yara while Theon shakes his head.
"He's lost it." Says an Ironborn.
"What do you want us to do?" Asks another.
"We're taking him anyway." Says Yara with conviction. Yara opens the cage and Theon presses himself back against the cage.
"Grab him when he comes." Says Yara as she moves quickly. Theon evades and tries to exit the cage, only for the Ironborn to catch him.
"Let me go!" Cries Theon before Yara socks him in the face. Theon goes limp and falls unconscious.
"Let's go." Says Yara before the door is blocked by several Boltons. Yara looks at them and brings her axes up. Ramsay enters the room with blood on his chest. He has a smile on his lips.
"This is turning into a lovely evening." Says Ramsay before he attacks. Yara evades the bastard and cuts into a man on Ramsay's left. She and 4 Ironborn leave the room while the others hold Ramsay off.
Taron watches as his forces battle the Boltons. His arms are crossed and a finger taps against one of his arms. He appears to be waiting for something. Then, he unfolds his arms and looks to the catapult men.
"Times up." Says Taron, making the men nod. The men light the ammo in the catapult and fire. Roose sees the attack coming and widens his eyes when he sees an iron ball with spikes.
"Iron Spikes!" Shouts Roose as he takes cover. The Royal Army smiles and steps back into the cover of the castle walls. Those who are out in the open are ripped to shreds by the iron spikes that fly out.
"Oil." Commands Taron as the men load a barrel of oil. Taron looks to the archers and nods. The archers load fire arrows and fire. As they do this, the soldiers begin to withdraw. The Boltons don't dare raise their heads less they are picked off by the archers. Those who do not take cover are either set ablaze or riddled with arrows. Soon the arrows stop and Roose looks up to see the army withdrawing.
"Father!" Calls Ramsay as he comes up.
"What happened?" Demands Roose. Ramsay looks to his father and growls.
"They took Theon Greyjoy." States Ramsay.
"Is that all?" Asks Roose.
"Is that not enough?" Asks Ramsay with confusion.
"Idiot, without the Greyjoy as a hostage, the Ironborn will assault the north." Says Roose.
"They are hardly a threat." Says Ramsay, waving it off. Roose walks over to him.
"Why do you think Taron Thurgau was here?" Asks Roose to his son.
"Does it matter?" Asks Ramsay.
"The two planned this attack together meaning; the Ironborn have the support of the Crown," says Roose as he walks down the stairs, "and how are alliances sealed?"
"Marriage." Says Ramsay now knowing his father's point.
"Are enemies have multiplied." Says Roose as he enters a hall and looks over a map. The map holds dragon and lion pieces on the Kings Road. He then places a Whale and Kraken piece at the Pyke.
"The fight will come from sea and land." Says Roose.
Ok guys I know I haven't updated in a while but I've been busy. Here is the new chapter and I hope you guys like it.
The Sparrows now plan to leave Kings Landing but will their plan go unchallenged?
So with Alyx poisoned I've had Arianne rise to power for now. Lucian appears to not like this idea. Why? What is wrong with Arianne leading for now? What is Lucian's plan?
Rick Ryyker and the bulk of the Royal Army are at Harrenhal. Tommen has proposed a bold and risky plan. I know Tommen is supposed to be weak and he is. But I did have Alyx teach him strategy. Just something for Tommen not to be so… Tommen. Sansa has admitted her love for Tommen while Arya shows distrust for the Royal Army and Tommen.
Taron and Yara have rescued Theon with a bolt attack. The pieces are all moving. The War to Reclaim the North has begun.
Till next time ;)